Canadian wheat exports have surged to their strongest pace in years, while canola shipments trail behind, signalling a shift in Canada’s grain-export landscape.

Data covering the first 12 weeks of the 2025-26 marketing year show wheat moving out of Western Canadian ports at record levels. Heavy global demand and robust logistical flows have helped Canada press ahead with multiple large shipments. In contrast, canola exports remain relatively modest despite appearing to pick up speed in recent weeks.

Industry data show weekly canola exports at 155,500 tonnes, a 25 per cent increase from the prior week, bringing the crop-year total to approximately 1.2 million tonnes to date. Still, those volumes lag the pace seen in previous years. Meanwhile, wheat export volumes are hitting highs not seen in recent memory.

Several factors are contributing to the widening gap. Wheat benefits from broad international demand and a diversified customer base. That positions it favourably when global supply disruptions arise or trade flows recalibrate. Canola, despite being a major crop for Canada, is more exposed to regional trade policies and shipping constraints.

Exporters report that wheat shipments are trading more freely and moving into multiple overseas markets, while canola faces bottlenecks both in clearance and destination demand. Some analysts suggest that the underlying export infrastructure is tilted in wheat’s favour this season, and that end-users of canola are taking a more cautious purchasing stance.

From a producer perspective, the export momentum behind wheat supports stronger turnover of grain in elevators and ports. Countries importing wheat appear prepared for heavier Canadian shipments. For canola growers, the slower export trend poses questions around market access, end-use demand and alternative outlets.

Looking ahead, the export gap may influence planting decisions, crop rotation strategies and storage plans. Growers and traders will be watching for any lift in canola demand or shifts in global grain flows that might tip the balance back. For now, Canada’s wheat export performance stands out as a success story of this harvest year.